Breaking Barriers: Susie Wolff's Career in Motorsport. Where Are the Women in Formula One?

Motorsport has never been a welcoming space for women. But that never stopped Susie Wolff from karting at eight to becoming a Formula One test driver, proving that talent doesn't recognize gender. Her influence, however, runs far deeper than the racetrack. She is now using all that she has learned to create opportunities for future generations of women racers, women who would not have to fight so hard for their chances.

Susie Wolff's Journey: From Karting to Formula One

Susie Wolff

Born on December 6, 1982, in  Scotland, Susie was introduced into the world of motorcars because of her family's keen interest in motorsport. From the age of 8, she quickly made a name as a natural. From karting, her talent earned her a place in Formula Renault and Formula 3, the two most competitive junior single-seater categories. Here, she learned her racecraft, fighting wheel to wheel with the best young racers in the world. But breaking into Formula One was another nut altogether. Women have reached the highest tier in the sport only in a handful of cases. A prime example is Lella Lombardi, who made history in the 1970s as the only woman to score points in a Formula 1 Grand Prix, finishing sixth at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix. Then came Susie's chance in 2012. Williams F1, one of the oldest teams in the sport, recognized her potential and signed her as a development driver. This was a huge moment not only for Susie but for all women in motorsport.

Two years later, in 2014, she became the first woman to participate in an official Formula One Grand Prix weekend, driving in free practice for the British and German Grands PrixWhile she may not have secured a permanent F1 seat, limited track time, especially after a mechanical failure in her first session, meant she never had a full chance to prove herself in race conditions. She had already done something phenomenal: she proved that female drivers had a place on the topmost pedestal of motorsport.

More Than Just a Driver: Building a Legacy

For many drivers, stepping away from the cockpit means fading into the background. For Susie Wolff, this was hardly ever the case; she resolved to take an even bigger challenge, changing it from within. After retirement from racing, she stepped into management and took on the task of team principal at Venturi Racing in Formula E, the world’s foremost electric racing series. Under her decisive guidance, the team made up serious ground, which says much for her talents beyond the cockpit. However, her greatest contribution to racing would come in 2023, when she was made managing director for the F1 Academy. This would prove to be a ground-breaking initiative that gives aspiring female drivers a real shot at competing at the very highest echelon of motorsport.

Rise of F1 Academy: Changing the Future of Women in Racing

Over the years, female racing drivers have had a hard time making their way up, not due to a lack of talent, but rather because of the absence of opportunities. The F1 Academy aims to change that. Specifically designed for young female drivers, this championship offers the resources, funding, and high-level competition necessary to cultivate the next generation of female racing stars. Unlike other junior series, the F1 Academy focuses not only on racing but also on education. Susie fully understands that motorsport demands more than just speed; many other factors contribute to successful driving, including training and the significance of being in the right place at the right time. Her leadership in the F1 Academy is already paving the way for change. Never before have so many female drivers gained serious recognition as genuine competitors, and the sport as a whole has been making strides toward greater inclusivity. Another prime example is when, in 2024, Jessica Hawkins became the first woman in nearly five years to test a Formula 1 car, driving for Aston Martin. The goal is not merely to place women in F1 cars; it's to make sure young girls watching at home believe that it is possible. The F1 Academy is just the beginning.

A post race cuddle

Through Susie Wolff's vision and hard work, a new generation of female drivers is ready to step out and take on the world, showing that women do belong in every corner of F1.

Susie Wolff on the Impact of F1 Academy

Reflecting on the Academy’s impact, Wolff shared in an interview with Formula 1 Official Website (2025):

“We can be very proud of what we’ve achieved in a short space of time, but this was always a long-term project. We need to see more young girls in karting, and they’re calling it ‘the F1 Academy effect.’

I’ve never seen so many young girls in karting, and that for me is just as important as the success of the series because we need to inspire the next generation. We need to get more young women racing for the best to rise to the top.”

Why Susie Wolff’s Work Matters

Motorsport is changing, but change does not happen overnight. It takes pioneers, leaders, and people willing to push the boundaries. Susie Wolff is all of those things. Her career proves that with determination, resilience, and the right opportunities, women can compete at the highest levels of motorsport. More importantly, she is making it easier for the next generation.

The Future: What’s Next?

Thanks to initiatives such as the rise of F1 Academy and the promotion of diversity in motorsport, the future seems bright. More female drivers are competing than ever before, and the barriers that once held them back are starting to crumble. Would we see a female driver on the Formula One grid soon? If Susie Wolff has anything to do with it, the answer is yes. She has already changed the landscape of motorsport. Now, she’s shaping its future. And that future looks faster, more competitive, and more inclusive than ever before.

The future of race car driving

Susie Wolff's journey is a testament to resilience and passion. Despite the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated sport, she never let societal norms dictate her path. Her determination and skill earned her respect in the racing community, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of female drivers. Beyond the racetrack, she became a symbol of empowerment and courage for women everywhere. Her legacy continues to remind us that with dedication and support, we can achieve remarkable feats, no matter the obstacles.